Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month at CSUSB by spreading awareness

With a focus on enhancing public awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals, their history and experiences, Cal State San Bernardino and its Palm Desert Campus are celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month through Oct. 31.

“Queer and trans folks have to navigate a world that tells us that we shouldn’t be,” said Lee Stovall, coordinator of the Queer and Transgender Resource Center at CSUSB. “Basic human needs are very often denied to us.”

To help combat these issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community, the Queer and Transgender Resource Center (QTRC) provides a platform for social justice as it relates to LGBTQ+ rights, and provides a safe comfortable and open academic environment for all.

Some of the assistance offered includes resource referrals to social services, mental health counseling, insurance services and competent medical care.

“We also provide cultural programs, recreational activities, libraries, educational programs, computer access, care and treatment,” said Stovall.

Many of the events celebrating this month are hosted by the QTRC at CSUSB.

The theme of this year’s celebration of LGBTQ+ history is “Connecting at the Intersections.” CSUSB is celebrating this month by highlighting its student leaders, faculty and staff with numerous activities and special events.

“We are really trying to give queer and trans people their roses,” said Stovall. “So, we’re focusing a lot on community building, educational initiatives, and opportunities for personal and professional development.”

LGBTQ+ History Month kicked off with the CSUSB-hosted “Queer Cuts,” which was held in the SMSU North building. Following was “Queer Skies Ahead,” which took place at Lake Arrowhead, and then the “Coming Out Day Brunch” on Oct. 19, hosted in the QTRC. The event offered the opportunity to socialize and enjoy brunch with fellow QT individuals.

The QTRC will host a gender and sexual equality workshop on Monday, Oct. 24, from 1-3 p.m. in the SMSU South Conference Center C. The workshop offers participants the opportunity to provide support and be in accountability with Queer and Trans communities.

Closing out the celebration of LGBTQ+ History Month is the “Embrace the Ace” mixer, on Thursday, Oct. 27, from noon-3:30 p.m., in the QTRC at the Santos Manuel Student Union North, 3315.

The mixer is aimed to understand the “A” in LGBTQIA, and how to ally with asexual individuals while combatting myths surrounding asexuality. The event is hosted by Megan Carrol, a CSUSB assistant professor in sociology.

The first LGBTQ+ History Month occurred in October of 1994 and was created by Rodney Wilson and Kevin Jennings. October was selected because public schools are in session and existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day (Oct. 11), occur in the month.

In 2006 Equality Forum assumed responsibility for providing content, promotion and resources for LGBTQ+ History Month.

For more information on upcoming events or to contact the QTRC, visit the QTRC website.

“Foundationally,” says Stovall, “the QTRC is here to help you exist in your most authentic form.”